Aurora theater shooting judge rejects bid to replace self

The judge overseeing the Colorado theater shooting case is rejecting a request from defense attorneys to replace himself with another judge.

Defense attorneys said in a motion made public Friday that Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr. takes a hostile and demeaning tone toward them in his rulings, which are often against them. They say his tone is a sign that he is biased.

Samour says in his order that he stands by his rulings and denies any bias. He says his language is blunt at times but not derogatory.

James Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of killing 12 people and injuring 70 in the July 20, 2012, attack at a Denver-area movie theater. Jury selection is expected to start in January.